Delusions Are Often Functional. A Mother's Opinions About Her Children's Beauty, Intelligence, Goodness, Et Cetera Ad Nauseam, Keep Her From Drowning Them At Birth. (Robert Heinlein)
Pft. Heinlein only said that because he never met Alexandra.
Even ignoring Mom, Daddy and Grandma, the kid had an instant fan club. Abby, of course, was crazy about her. (Abby is crazy about babies, period. When she finally settles down, I figure her for five or six, easy.) McGee? He's a softie. He was cooing over the baby as much as Abby was. Between Tony and Jimmy, the kid is stocked for life with stuffed animals.
The biggest surprises? Ziva. And Gibbs.
For a while, I didn't think Ziva would give her back. "Oh, look at her eyes! She will be a very smart little girl." She scooped her up and snuggled her to her shoulder, singing so softly only half-dozing Alexandra could hear the words. (Later on, when we were alone, Ducky told me that Ziva had had a younger sister who died while just in her teens. It was an 'ah ha' moment. I figured Ziva would stay very close to the family from here on out... not that I objected.)
When Gibbs stopped by, he stood for a long moment just looking into the portable crib with a funny smile on his face. "That is one of the prettiest little girls I've ever seen." He gave me a sly smile. "Planning for a boy next year?"
I nodded my head toward Ducky. "Only if he gets pregnant."
Ducky gave me a bemused look. "We'll work on that."
"Whoa!" Gibbs jerked his head and took a half-step back.
Just what every new parent wants to hear. "What?" I managed to not screech. Barely.
"She just raised her head up!"
"And…?" I didn't understand the look of surprise. Almost astonishment.
"They don't normally do that this early. Way early." He glanced at us and chuckled. "Mom and Dad… you are in for a fun ride with this one."
I closed my eyes and plopped back against the pillows. "Oh, goody."